Santa Barbara's Sandy Secrets

There’s no shortage of beautiful beaches spots to surf, sun-bathe, and relax in Santa Barbara, however, these are some of the most idyllic beach spots, often kept under wraps by locals.

Tucked away in the charming beach town, Carpinteria, Santa Claus Beach, is one of Santa Barbara’s lowkey sandy secrets, where you’ll find a dreamy stretch of soft white sand and clear blue water. Enchanting slopes of sand and elegant beach homes set the perfect ambiance for unwinding.

A 15 minute drive from downtown Santa Barbara to Summerland will bring you to Loon Point Beach, where towering cliffs, warm golden sand and a lack of crowds make it the perfect summer spot for a beach day. As you continue down a canyon path to this secluded shoreline, you’ll discover bare, untouched California beauty.

Hammond's Beach, in the Montecito village, has a quiet winding shoreline and clear blue waves making it a quintessential spot for surfing, especially as it is set against the picturesque backdrop of the Santa Barbara foothills. At lower tides, you can meander from Butterfly Beach and take in views of the Channel Islands and bordering meadows.

One of our favorites is located in the chic lower village of Montecito. Butterfly Beach is beloved amongst locals and visitors alike for its beauty and pristine shoreline. Its unique east-west orientation makes for truly spectacular sunrises and sunsets.